All posts by Vicky.

Working with wood for making stuff may feel like an expensive task to beginners. Though interesting, the task requires sophisticated tools without which the job is incomplete. All these tools cost money but not as much as imagined.

Woodworkers need to have some basic tools that can help them get started. These tools are not very expensive and extremely helpful in getting the job done with perfection. The equipment needed by beginners are as follows:

1. Circular Saw

Woodworkers usually think of a table saw as the basic tool for woodworking. However, analyzing the benefits and cost that a circular saw holds can make them think otherwise. Circular saws are a great substitute of table saws. If handled with precision and care, these saws can be as accurate as needed.

Circular saws are available in different sizes, which may make a beginner confused as to which one to purchase. In such a case, when there are varieties of saws available, one should always go for the circular saw with the highest horsepower. Taking into account the safety rules, one can use these circular saws to get the best out of their woodwork.

2. Power Drills

Power drills come in different varieties, all of which are quite useful in woodworking. However, when it comes to the least expensive model, one should always go for corded power drills. Though less convenient, these corded drills serve the same purpose as cordless power drills. These drills are powerful and hence, help beginners work with efficiency on their wood projects. It is always recommended to go for the best brands, which offer the saws at a reasonable rate, to ensure both quality and convenience.

3. Jigsaw

A jigsaw, also known as sabre saw, is capable of cutting round and circular shapes in the wood. There are other tools such as a band saw that can serve the task better, but these band saws are quite expensive for beginners to use. Therefore, it is better to stick to the jigsaw until expertise is attained. Again, it is better to invest in a brand that is reliable rather than wasting money on something that could not provide long-term benefits.

4. Random Orbital Sander

The random orbital sander, as its name suggests, helps in sanding. The job can be done using substitutes such as a palm sander or plain sandpaper, both of which are not cheap, but the reason for suggesting the random orbital sander is the random sanding motion that it possesses. The random motion of the sander helps the tool prevent sanding marks from appearing on the stock, which the palm sander and plain sandpaper are incapable of doing.

5. Table Saw

After purchasing all the tools mentioned above, one should move towards buying the most valuable tool for woodworking: the table saw. The table saw can be used with efficiency once users have gotten used to working with the basic tools mentioned above. A table saw is a basic tool as well but needs some practice before being used. Users should purchase the best table saw for themselves, as all their woodworking would revolve around the saw they have purchased.

6. Compound Miter Saw

The compound miter saw is used for cutting angles at the sides of the stock. The tool is very useful and once precision with it is attained, one may not feel the need for using a circular saw. Hence, the compound miter saw is another secondary basic tool that a beginner, after gaining enough experience, is recommended to purchase.

7. Router

The last important tool that woodworkers needs to have in their warehouse is a quality router. Routers can be either stationary base or plunge base. For a beginner, the stationary base would do well, serving quite a number of tasks required.

Conclusion

By using these basic yet useful woodworking tools, beginners can transform themselves into professionals while qualifying for the complex tools that allow more intricate work to be done on the wood. These tools are less costly and easily available at shops. Hence, it is easy for a woodworker who is a beginner to get started with the work, even if their budget is low.

The tools are helpful in performing some basic tasks but cease to be beneficial when it comes to more advanced tasks. Hence, one needs to move to advanced tools once they have got their hands on the basic ones.

A chair must be strong enough to support the varying weight of the user but must also be light enough to be portable. The big loads, continuous motions and light joints contribute to the deterioration of the chair joints. This is the reason why chair repair is a common thing in several woodworker shops or furniture repair shops. Following are some chair repair problems that you can DIY.

Wobbly Spindles, Rungs and Legs

For wobbly spindles or rungs, apply glue into the joints if no bracing is used.

Separate these parts from the chair’s frame carefully for a more lasting repair.

If both ends are unsteady, remove the whole piece.

If the joints are stubborn, get self-locking pliers and turn the part moderately to weaken the glue.

Cushion the chair part to avoid damaging the wood.

Damaged Non-structural Spindles and Rungs

Use glue to repair breaks and splits in non-structural spindles and rungs.

Separate the damaged ends of each piece and apply glue to each part.

Use a glue injector to force glue if the part has snapped.

Attach the parts carefully by applying pressure so they fasten firmly.

Remove any remaining glue.

Cover the broken part with a wax paper.

Using a piece of cord, wrap the broken part to straighten it properly.

Get a rope or clamp to fasten the chair firmly.

Allow the glue to dry completely.

Broken Legs

Turn the chair upside down and hold the legs with your hands.

Shake and twist the each leg to find any loose dowels, mortises, splits or cracks. If possible, pull each leg apart.

Apply glue to a dovetail or dowel if it is exposed for every motion.

Clamp each part to fasten the dowel into the matching hole.

Apply glue with a damp cloth and let it dry overnight.

Take the clamps off and use a putty knife to remove the dried glue.

Using the putty knife, separate the splits or cracks and apply glue into the crack.

Clamp the leg and tighten to put the crack together firmly.

Drill through the crack using a 3/8-inch drill bill and all throughout the leg.

Drill two evenly spaced holes if the split or crack is more than 3 inches long.

Hammer a 3/8- x 8-inch dowels into the hole allowing the dowel to jut from both of the leg sides.

Use a damp cloth to remove wet glue and allow it dry overnight.

Use a coping saw to cut the bulging ends of the dowel.

Smoothen the dowels’ ends by sanding them using a 120-grit sandpaper.

Mark the dowels’ end using a stain marker and use a putty crayon to fill hairline cracks and nail holes.

A chair is the most battered piece of furniture but repairing it immediately will make it last longer and save you from buying a new one. Lengthen the life of your chair and make it looking new by following the above tips on how to fix a broken wooden chair.

Green is one of my favourite colours, possibly because it is the colour of freshness and of the very many vegetable goodies that I love.

Green curry also tastes fantastic.

My name is Vicky - I'm a novice woodworking enthusiast. I have just started learning the ropes, but I really love wood as a material. I'm planning to improve my skills and then start selling wooden craft items online. I will be journalling my journey on this blog. Make sure to follow!